Valdes dedicates win to Abidal

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes dedicated Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Sevilla to absent team-mate Eric Abidal.

It was revealed on Thursday that the France international, who had a tumour on his liver removed last year, requires a liver transplant and there are fears the defender might never play again.

Valdes, however, is remaining upbeat and is encouraged by the fact that Abidal recovered from his operation last March in time for play for Barca in their Champions League final win over Manchester United in May.

“This victory is for Abidal,” the Spain international said.

“These are difficult times that we must overcome. However, with the strength and confidence that Abidal has, I’m sure that he’ll come out of this one.”

Valdes said that although Barca have closed the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to seven points, having played one game more, he is not optimistic about their hopes of defending their title.

“Being realistic, it’s very complicated (to win La Liga),” he said. “They have a big advantage.”

“But our obligation is to go out and try to win all of our matches and wait for Real Madrid to falter. We’re professionals.”

Up next for Barcelona is a clash with Granada at Camp Nou on Tuesday.